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Las Vegas, NV (November 22, 2006) – There have been few constants people can count on day in and day out: taxes, the sun coming up in the east and Cal Ripken, Jr. taking the field for the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken's number '8' jersey was a fan favorite and fixture on the line up card for a Major League Baseball record 2,632 consecutive games. Upper Deck is also known for answering the bell each season with its wide array of baseball trading card products and memorabilia. Both the Upper Deck Company and Ironclad Authentics representing Cal Ripken, Jr. today announce the signing of an exclusive trading card and autograph deal whereby Ripken will be included in upcoming baseball product and on packaging. Ripken's first card insert under this agreement, titled "Road to the Hall," will appear in Upper Deck Series One Baseball available in early 2007.
"I am excited to be part of another great team dedicated to providing collectors with the best quality collectible card items in the marketplace," said Cal Ripken, Jr., first time eligible Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. "Upper Deck is well-known for being the leader in the collectibles industry, and I know that this is going to be a great relationship." Among his many on-field accolades are: AL Rookie of the Year ('82), two-time AL Most Valuable Player ('83, '91), two-time Gold Glove recipient ('91, '92), two time All-Star MVP ('91, '01), a world record 2,632 consecutive games played and 19 All-Star Game selections. While it is hard to pick just one favorite, in 2001, Cal was honored when fans named his 2,131st consecutive game Major League Baseball's "Most Memorable Moment" in history through a program run by MLB. 2007 is sure to be another hallmark year for Cal, as he makes his journey to Cooperstown. "Upper Deck has always been recognized for producing the most collectible and innovative trading cards in the world," said Chairman and Founder Richard McWilliam. "It is fitting that Cal Ripken, Jr. and Upper Deck join forces in an exclusive relationship. He has left a very positive lasting impression on baseball fans the world over with his accomplishments and character and is the perfect embodiment of what Upper Deck and our baseball trading card products represent." Ironclad Authentics, LLC is a full-service sports marketing company specializing in the development of programs and services which GUARANTEES authentic hand-signed collectibles and licensed products. Specializing in e-commerce retailing, Ironclad is also a major supplier of signed memorabilia from current and former athletes to distributors throughout the country. Ironclad Authentics LLC is a Major League Baseball licensee, participant in the Major League Baseball Authentication program and a selling partner on MLB.com's online auction platform. Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. |
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